Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Greece - Kefalonia - Zakynthos
100% customisable for you
Your holiday begins today with a flight to Greece, bound for the Ionian island of Kefalonia. After navigating the usual pre-holiday flurry, head to the airport and settle in for the three-and-a-half hour flight to Argostoli – plenty of time to ease into holiday mode with a book or film (perhaps Mamma Mia?).
On arrival, collect your rental car and set off along the coast to your accommodation, set in a peaceful corner of the island within easy reach of both the beach and the mountains. You’ll be staying here for the next five nights. The remainder of the day is free to unwind after your journey: stretch your legs on the sand, take a first dip in the sea or simply relax and soak up the laid-back island life. This evening, enjoy a relaxed meal at a nearby taverna, sampling your first taste of Kefalonian cooking.
Spend the next three days getting under the skin of Kefalonia, the Ionian’s largest island and one of its most beautiful. Despite its size, the island has managed to retain its authentic charm: there are no hordes of tourists, the natural landscapes feel wild and unspoilt, and local traditions are still practiced.
Dramatic beaches fringe the coastline, from the swooping, pebbled bay of Myrtos on the west coast to the clear waters of Antisamos in the east. Other scenic delights include small coastal mountains and the Ainos massif to the east. Cultural highlights range from the ancient Krani Fortress and Saint George Castle, with sweeping views over the former Venetian capital, to the Roman mosaics at Cape Mouda and the ethereal Melissani Cave, an open-air karstic formation. For those seeking adventure, we can also arrange guided canyoning and caving experiences.
After fueling up at breakfast, set off on a private jeep safari into the heart of the Ainos Mountains, home to Kefalonia’s highest peak, Mount Ainos. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore this protected national park, learning about its interesting ecology along the way. The slopes are dotted with the rare Abies cephalonica fir, found almost exclusively on the island and prized by shipbuilders since the time of Odysseus. Orchids and the delicate Cephalonia violet add further colour to the landscape.
Wild ponies roam these highlands too, though they’re shy and best admired from afar. As you climb, sweeping views open out across the island and the deep-blue Ionian Sea beyond. The day ends with a visit to the abandoned village of Vlachata, which pays homage to life before the destructive 1953 earthquake.
This morning, it’s time to say goodbye to Kefalonia and set your sights on the next Ionian island: Zakynthos, also known as Zante. After breakfast, drive to the port of Pessada and drop off your hire car before boarding the ferry to Agios Nikolaos.
On arrival, collect a new hire car and continue south to the quieter side of the island, where you’ll be staying close to the sea for the next five nights. The rest of today is yours to spend at leisure. You could laze on the beach and swim in the sea, or if you fancy a bit more hustle and bustle, the charming village of Keri is less than two miles away.
The next three days are yours to explore Zakynthos at your own pace. The island's well-connected roads make it easy to roam, from the lush Vasilikos peninsula in the southeast to the rugged landscapes of Volimes in the north.
A visit to Gerakas Beach is a must, where protected sands provide nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles. From the peaceful village of Keri, an easy hike leads to spectacular cliffs and the Myzithres, two large karst rocks rising from electric-blue waters, with a secluded beach tucked below. And no visit is complete without seeing Navagio, or ‘Shipwreck Beach’, where rusting wreckage lies framed by towering white cliffs.
To enjoy the beautiful bumpy countryside of Zakynthos, you can head cross-country to Volimes. This is a great way to admire the ancient olive trees, vines and pines that make the hinterland so picturesque. The northern part of the island is also home to the bustling town of Agios Nikolaos, where we can arrange for you to spend a few hours discovering the beautiful Blue Caves on a private boat.
Your final full day in Greece is devoted to one of the country’s most celebrated staples: olive oil. After breakfast, head to a nearby farm with a private guide to explore its groves and learn about the full production process, from harvesting and crushing to pressing, decanting and bottling. Round off your visit with a tasting of the estate’s olive oils, paired with a traditional meze (Greek-style tapas platter).
Spend the rest of today enjoying the pleasures of Marathias: hiking, sunbathing, snorkelling and canoeing.
Sadly, it’s time to bid Greece a warm farewell and begin your journey home. After one last stroll along the beach this morning, hop back into your hire car and drive to Zakynthos Airport. Drop off the hire car and check in for your return flight to the UK. Your three-and-a-half hour flight home offers time to reflect on a holiday shaped by wild landscapes, clear seas and a slower pace of life.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
